A size-able number of doctors under the umbrella of Nigerian Medical Association on Friday, August 15, 2014 stormed the secretariat of the association clad with posters with several inscriptions to protest the sacking of resident doctors around the country by the federal government.
On Thursday, August14, 2014, the federal government had announced that until its ongoing appraisal of the issues bothering the health sector is concluded, all medical personnel with the Residency Training Program in all government owned hospitals are compulsorily suspended.
The protesting doctors have promised to proceed with their ongoing strike until the government attends to their 24-point demand and tack back the circular suspending the residency training program
The NMA took to its Twitter account to state its position following a press conference at its national secretariat led by Dr. Kayode Obembe, National President of the NMA.
The tweets are below:
The official position and line of action by the NMA will be made known today at the World Press Conference.
Thank you.— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
The Press Conference was addressed by the NMA President, Dr Kayode Obembe withother NOC members. Nat'l and Int'l Press orgs were present
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
The NMA President gave a background into the current situation vis a vis the ongoing #NMAStrike including efforts made by NMA so far.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
He also reminded all on FG's continual non-compliance with agreements reached including neglect of Int'l best practices in medical practice.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
Whereas the country is groaning under the dearth of specialist Doctors (< 3000/170 million of Nigerians).
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
Whereas government functionaries continue to enjoy medical services abroad at the expense of the tax payers money.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
It is hereby resolved as follows:
NMA CONDEMNS in totality the alleged Presidential directive suspending residency training prog in Nigeria.— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
2. NMA demands immediate withdrawal of the suspension circular and unconditional reinstatement of the so-called sacked resident doctors.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
3. Govt shld show commitment in resolving the current impasse with the NMA rather than further aggravating the already deplorable situation.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
4. NMA shall resist, by all means, any attempt by government to break her ranks as an Association.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
5. Rather than abolishing residency training prog, govt should show more commitment towards improving the already poorly funded programme.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
6. Government should improve the nation’s health facilities with a view to discouraging medical tourism abroad.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
7. NMA believes that the current government’s stance will further worsen the present industrial disharmony.
— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
#ActionPoint
NMA directs that no Dr should collect any sack letter or sign any register opened by the government or her agents (hospital).— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
#ActionPoint
No Doctor no matter how hungry, should pick up any locum appointment with the government hospitals as directed by the circular.— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
#ActionPoint
Any Dr who flouts this, does so at his/her own peril. All Drs are to remain committed towards containing the Ebola outbreak.— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
#ActionPoint
Govt shld ensure that all persons under surveillance for Ebola virus infection do not travel outside their domain of residence.— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
#ActionPoint
NMA implore her members to remain calm and await further directives on this matter.
Aluta Continua, Victoria ascerta— Nigerian Medical Association (@nmanigeria) August 15, 2014
